The Camelback East Village, also sometimes referred to as East Phoenix or the East Side, is one of the 15 villages that make up Phoenix. It is adjacent to the suburbs Paradise Valley and Scottsdale and sits between Piestewa Peak and Camelback Mountain. There are two main areas of activity in the village - 24th St. and Camelback Rd. core and the 44th St. and Van Buren Ave. core.

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==Get in==

==Get in==

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==Get around==

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'''State Route 51''' (also known as the Piestewa Parkway) is the major north/south freeway through the region, running north from Interstate 10 and continuing past Piestewa Peak and on into the more northern regions of the city. The road runs just east of 16th St. in this region.

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==See==

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'''State Route 202''' (also known as the Red Mountain Freeway) is the the major east/west freeway in the region, running just south of McDowell Rd. It begins at the same point as SR 51 where I-10 goes from east/west to north/south, a location referred to as the "mini-stack" (as opposed to Stack interchange where I-10 and I-17 intersect in West Phoenix).

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'''I-10''' is the main east/west route into Phoenix, and runs past the airport. It serves effectively as the "extension" of both SR 51 and SR 202, continuing on south past the termination of SR 51 and continuing west past the termination of SR 202.

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==Get around==

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As with most parts of the Valley, having a car available is virtually a must for seeing the area. South of the mountains the roads are almost universally laid out in a grid format, with numbered streets running north/south and increasing in number as you move east towards the Scottsdale border.

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*<see name="Piestewa Peak" alt="" address="2701 E. Squaw Peak Ln. or 2421 E.Northern Ave." directions="" phone="(602) 262-7901" url="http://phoenix.gov/parks/phxmtns.html" hours="5am-10pm (Dreamy Draw Park) 11pm (Phoenix Mountains Park)" price="" lat="" long="">The other well known mountain in the area (Camelback Mountain being the most well known), the peak was formerly known as "Squaw Peak" prior to being renamed in honor of Army Spc. Lori Ann Piestewa who was the first Native American woman killed in combat in the U.S. Military in 2003. Due to the recent name change visitors will find references to the peak under both names (for instance, the road leading to the park on the south side of the mountain still has the prior name). This mountain, whose summit rises to 2,608 feet, is much more accessible to visitors than is Camelback Mountain. Picnic areas exist both on the south side of the mountain (Phoenix Mountains Park entrace on Squaw Peak Lane) and the north side (Dreamy Draw Park, entrance via Northern Avenue). </see>

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Leaving the area to the north generally means passing through one of two major mountain passes--the Dreamy Draw via State Route 51 or around Camelback Mountain and through the Town of Paradise Valley via 44th St. to MacDonald Dr. and then north along Tatum Blvd. Either route offers some stunning views of urban desert mountain settings.

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*<see name="Camelback Mountain" alt="" address="" directions="East McDonald Drive at Tatum Boulevard" phone="(602) 256-3220" url="http://www.ci.phoenix.az.us/PARKS/hikecmlb.html" hours="" price="" lat="" long="">The most recognizable landmark of the area, Camelback Mountain rises to 2,704 feet at its summit. It sits between Phoenix to the south and Paradise Valley to the North. The lower areas of the mountain contain some of the most exclusive residences in the Valley, with the upper sections now part of a park. There are very challenging and difficult hiking trails to the summit that are not recommended for any but experienced hikers. As well, parking near the mountain is extremely limited. The mountain consists of red rock, and is in the general shape of a camel's silhouette. A rock formation on the mountain is known as Praying Monk. The park also contains Echo Canyon.</see>

*'''Arizona Biltmore Hotel''', 24th St. and Camelback Rd, [http://www.arizonabiltmore.com/]. Visit this legendary Phoenix landmark built in 1921 and has hosted famous guests such as Fred Astaire, Marilyn Monroe, Bob Hope, and the President of the United States when he is in town.

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*'''Wrigley Mansion''', 2501 East Telawa Trail, [http://www.wrigleymansionclub.com/]. Take a tour of the amazing architecture and grounds of this historic mansion built by the famous chewing gum magnate.

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*<see name="Piestewa Peak" alt="" address="2701 E Squaw Peak Ln or 2421 E Northern Ave" directions="" phone="+1 602 262-7901" url="http://phoenix.gov/parks/phxmtns.html" hours="5AM-10PM (Dreamy Draw Park) 11PM (Phoenix Mountains Park)" price="" lat="" long="">The other well known mountain in the area (Camelback Mountain being the most well known), the peak was formerly known as "Squaw Peak" prior to being renamed in honor of Army Spc. Lori Ann Piestewa who was the first Native American woman killed in combat in the U.S. Military in 2003. Due to the recent name change visitors will find references to the peak under both names (for instance, the road leading to the park on the south side of the mountain still has the prior name). This mountain, whose summit rises to 2,608 ft (817 m), is much more accessible to visitors than is Camelback Mountain. Picnic areas exist both on the south side of the mountain (Phoenix Mountains Park entrace on Squaw Peak Ln.) and the north side (Dreamy Draw Park, entrance via Northern Ave.). </see>

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*<see name="Camelback Mountain" alt="" address="" directions="E McDonald Dr at Tatum Blvd" phone="+1 602 256-3220" url="http://www.ci.phoenix.az.us/PARKS/hikecmlb.html" hours="" price="" lat="" long="">The most recognizable landmark of the area, Camelback Mountain rises to 2,704 ft (824 m) at its summit. It sits between Phoenix to the south and Paradise Valley to the North. The lower areas of the mountain contain some of the most exclusive residences in the Valley, with the upper sections now part of a park. There are very challenging and difficult hiking trails to the summit that are not recommended for any but experienced hikers. As well, parking near the mountain is extremely limited. The mountain consists of red rock, and is in the general shape of a camel's silhouette. A rock formation on the mountain is known as Praying Monk. The park also contains Echo Canyon.</see>

*'''Arizona Biltmore Hotel''', 24th St and Camelback Rd, [http://www.arizonabiltmore.com/]. Visit this legendary Phoenix landmark built in 1921 and has hosted famous guests such as Fred Astaire, Marilyn Monroe, Bob Hope, and the President of the United States when he is in town.

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*'''Wrigley Mansion''', 2501 E Telawa Trl, [http://www.wrigleymansionclub.com/]. Take a tour of the amazing architecture and grounds of this historic mansion built by the famous chewing gum magnate.

==Do==

==Do==

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Winter visitors to the area will generally be looking for outdoor events. The area has a number of resorts with the relevant amenities, such as the Biltmore resort's golf course and the requisite pools and other activities on site. In the summer, due to the extreme heat, virtually everyone tries to avoid begin outside more than necessary.

*'''Biltmore Fashion Park''', 24th St. and Camelback Rd., [http://www.shopbiltmore.com/home.asp]. Includes many high-end tenants such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Ralph Lauren, Cartier, and Escada; and many highly-acclaimed eateries.

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*<buy name="Town & Country Shopping Center" alt="" address="20th St and Camelback Rd" directions="" phone="" url="http://www.townandcountryshops.com/" hours="" price="" lat="" long="">Down the street from Biltmore Fashion Square is a mall without a true major anchor tenant, but with a number of smaller shops and less expensive restaurants (including both chains such as Chili's and Black Angus and local restaurants like Baby Kay's Cajun Kitchen).</buy>

*<eat name="Chicago Hamburger Company" alt="" address="3749 E Indian School Rd" directions="" phone="" url="http://chicagohamburger.com/" hours="M-Sa 10:30AM-8PM" price="Budget priced" lat="" long="">"Home of the Original Windy City Slider" is the restaurant's slogan, and the small burgers (along with larger fare) are found here. A Chicago themed sandwich shop offering hot dogs, sandwiches and even Frito Pie (according to the menu, a former manager from Texas added it to the menu and they've left it on). This place is more what you would expect of a traditional burger joint than Delux Burger, also listed in this guide. Delux is when you want something more formal, Chicago Hamburger Company is when you want to grab a traditional burger shop-lunch.</eat>

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*<eat name="Delux Burger" alt="" address="3146 E Camelback Rd" directions="In Safeway center on NW corner of 32nd St and Camelback Rd" phone="+1 602 522-2288" url="http://www.deluxburger.com/" hours="11AM-2AM" price="Upper mid-range pricing" lat="" long="">An upscale burger location, also known for its mini-shopping cart baskets of fries and a wide selection of micro-brews on tap. Has an interesting variety of salads as well as the sandwich fare. A good place when you want to have informal food but not in a totally informal setting.</eat>

*<eat name="Pita Jungle" alt="" address="4340 E Indian School Rd" directions="44th St &amp; Indian School Rd" phone="+1 602 955-7482" url="http://www.pitajungle.com/index.cfm/locationDetails/location/Arcadia" hours="10:30AM-10PM daily" price="Mid-Range Pricing." lat="" long="">Offers a selection not only of pitas, but also of other Mediterranean inspired meals in a sit down environment.</eat>

*<eat name="Chicago Hamburger Company" alt="" address="3749 E. Indian School Road" directions="" phone="" url="http://chicagohamburger.com/" hours="M-Sat 10:30a-8pm" price="Budget priced." lat="" long="">"Home of the Original Windy City Slider" is the restaurant's slogan, and the small burgers (along with larger fare) are found here. A Chicago themed sandwich shop offering hot dogs, sandwiches and even Frito Pie (according to the menu, a former manager from Texas added it to the menu and they've left it on). This place is more what you would expect of a traditional burger joint than Delux Burger, also listed in this guide. Delux is when you want something more formal, Chicago Hamburger Company is when you want to grab a traditional burger shop lunch.</eat>

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*<eat name="Pita Jungle" alt="" address="4340 E. Indian School Rd." directions="44th Street &amp; Indian School Road" phone="(602) 955-7482" url="http://www.pitajungle.com/index.cfm/locationDetails/location/Arcadia" hours="Daily 10:30am-10pm" price="Mid-Range Pricing." lat="" long="">Offers a selection not only of pitas, but also of other Mediterranean inspired meals in a sit down environment.</eat>

*<eat name="Delux Burger" alt="" address="3146 E. Camelback Road" directions="In Safeway center on northwest corner of 32nd Street and Camelback Road" phone="(602) 522-2288" url="http://www.deluxburger.com/" hours="11am-2am" price="Upper mid-range pricing." lat="" long="">An upscale burger location, also known for its mini-shopping cart baskets of fries and a wide selection of micro-brews on tap. Has an interesting variety of salads as well as the sandwich fare. A good place when you want to have informal food but not in a totally informal setting.</eat>

*<drink name="MercBar" alt="" address="2525 E Camelback Rd" directions="SE corner of 24th St and Camelback" phone="+1 602 508-9449" url="http://www.mercbar.com" hours="" price="" lat="" long="">MercBar is a high-end local place with a 'speakeasy' feel to it. It is hidden in the plaza with no sign, but once found it proves to be worth the trouble. Live jazz on Tuesdays.</drink>

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*<drink name="Postino Wine Cafe" alt="" address="3939 E Campbell Ave" directions="Campell is halfway between Indian School Rd and Camelback Ave, with the best access via 40th St from either road" phone="+1 602 852-3939" url="http://www.postinowinecafe.com/" hours="M-Sa 11AM-11PM, Su noon-10PM" price="" lat="" long="">A wine cafe located in the former Arcadia post office. In addition to wines, the cafe features panninis and salads. The cafe also offers $5 glasses of wine each day until 4pm.</drink>

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*<drink name="Half Moon Sports Grill" alt="" address="2121 East Highland Ave" directions="" phone="602-977-2700" url="http://halfmoonsportsgrill.com/index.php" hours="" price="" lat="" long="">Upscale sports bar with lots of TV's to watch games. Happy hour Mon to Fri (3pm to 7pm). The Phoenix New Times named it the Best Sports Bar and Best Wings in Phoenix in 2008.</drink>

==Sleep==

==Sleep==

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Resorts originally concentrated in this area of Phoenix, and a number of major resorts either are in the area or border on it. The financial district located on Camelback also means that a number of mid-range hotels also exist in the area to serve the business crowd or others that may not wish to pay the resort prices but want to stay in the area.

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*<sleep name="Arizona Biltmore Resort" alt="" address="2400 E Missouri" directions="Enter off 24th St at Missouri" phone="+1 602 955-660" url="http://www.arizonabiltmore.com/" checkin="4PM" checkout="noon" price="High end resort pricing" lat="" long="">Not only a place to see, it has historically been the place to stay in the area for those not afraid to pay top dollar. The resort features all the expected amenities and services. The resort is located between Piestewa Peak and Camelback Mountain, sitting along the smaller mountains between the two larger peaks.</sleep>

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*<sleep name="Courtyard Phoenix Camelback" alt="" address="2101 E Camelback Rd" directions="located in the Town & Country Center at 20th St and Camelback, to the W of Bookstar and behind the restaurants in the W part of the center parking lot)" phone="+1 602 955-5200" url="http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/phxcc-courtyard-phoenix-camelback/" checkin="3PM" checkout="noon" price="Midrange hotel" lat="" long="">Midrange hotel that is located 1/2 mi from the Biltmore Fashion Park shopping area and Camelback Esplanade, and about a mile from the Arizona Biltmore resort.</sleep>

*<sleep name="The Phoenician Resort" alt="" address="6000 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale" directions="" tollfree="800-888-8234" phone="+1 480-941-8200 (Worldwide)" url="http://www.thephoenician.com/pages/index.php" checkin="" checkout="" price="High resort pricing" lat="" long="">Technically in Scottsdale, it's barely across the border and is located on the base of Camelback Mountain. Very full featured resort location right on the mountain for the Valley.</sleep>

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*<sleep name="Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak" alt="" address="7677 N 16th St" directions="On 16th St N of Glendale Ave, S of Northern Ave" phone="+1 602 997-2626" url="http://www.pointehilton.com/indexsp.cfm" checkin="" checkout="" price="High Resort pricing" lat="" long="">Major resort located close to Piestewa Peak, this was the original Pointe resort built in the Valley, originally referred to only as The Pointe. With the addition of other Pointe Hilton resorts (at Tapatio Cliffs to the northwest and the former Pointe South Mountain, now the Arizona Grand Resort) the name was changed to Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak--only to recently have the mountain's name itself changed to Piestewa Peak. To locals, both the Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak and the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs are known for their waterparks, with multiple pools, cabanas and even a waterslide.</sleep>

The Camelback area offers easy access to other areas of the Valley that will be of interest. Immediately to the east is Downtown Scottsdale [http://www.scottsdaledowntown.com/] (featuring Old Town Scottsdale and the arts area) and the major shopping mall of Scottsdale Fashion Square [http://www.fashionsquare.com/](follow Camelback Rd into Scottsdale), a complementary mall to Biltmore Fashion Park (mainly upscale stores, though not quite as uniformly high end).

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Latest revision as of 21:46, 17 July 2012

The view from Camelback Mountain

The Camelback East Village, also sometimes referred to as East Phoenix or the East Side, is one of the 15 villages that make up Phoenix. It is adjacent to the suburbs Paradise Valley and Scottsdale and sits between Piestewa Peak and Camelback Mountain. There are two main areas of activity in the village - 24th St. and Camelback Rd. core and the 44th St. and Van Buren Ave. core.

Contents

State Route 51 (also known as the Piestewa Parkway) is the major north/south freeway through the region, running north from Interstate 10 and continuing past Piestewa Peak and on into the more northern regions of the city. The road runs just east of 16th St. in this region.

State Route 202 (also known as the Red Mountain Freeway) is the the major east/west freeway in the region, running just south of McDowell Rd. It begins at the same point as SR 51 where I-10 goes from east/west to north/south, a location referred to as the "mini-stack" (as opposed to Stack interchange where I-10 and I-17 intersect in West Phoenix).

I-10 is the main east/west route into Phoenix, and runs past the airport. It serves effectively as the "extension" of both SR 51 and SR 202, continuing on south past the termination of SR 51 and continuing west past the termination of SR 202.

As with most parts of the Valley, having a car available is virtually a must for seeing the area. South of the mountains the roads are almost universally laid out in a grid format, with numbered streets running north/south and increasing in number as you move east towards the Scottsdale border.

Leaving the area to the north generally means passing through one of two major mountain passes--the Dreamy Draw via State Route 51 or around Camelback Mountain and through the Town of Paradise Valley via 44th St. to MacDonald Dr. and then north along Tatum Blvd. Either route offers some stunning views of urban desert mountain settings.

Piestewa Peak, 2701 E Squaw Peak Ln or 2421 E Northern Ave, ☎+1 602 262-7901, [1]. 5AM-10PM (Dreamy Draw Park) 11PM (Phoenix Mountains Park). The other well known mountain in the area (Camelback Mountain being the most well known), the peak was formerly known as "Squaw Peak" prior to being renamed in honor of Army Spc. Lori Ann Piestewa who was the first Native American woman killed in combat in the U.S. Military in 2003. Due to the recent name change visitors will find references to the peak under both names (for instance, the road leading to the park on the south side of the mountain still has the prior name). This mountain, whose summit rises to 2,608 ft (817 m), is much more accessible to visitors than is Camelback Mountain. Picnic areas exist both on the south side of the mountain (Phoenix Mountains Park entrace on Squaw Peak Ln.) and the north side (Dreamy Draw Park, entrance via Northern Ave.). edit

Camelback Mountain, (E McDonald Dr at Tatum Blvd), ☎+1 602 256-3220, [2]. The most recognizable landmark of the area, Camelback Mountain rises to 2,704 ft (824 m) at its summit. It sits between Phoenix to the south and Paradise Valley to the North. The lower areas of the mountain contain some of the most exclusive residences in the Valley, with the upper sections now part of a park. There are very challenging and difficult hiking trails to the summit that are not recommended for any but experienced hikers. As well, parking near the mountain is extremely limited. The mountain consists of red rock, and is in the general shape of a camel's silhouette. A rock formation on the mountain is known as Praying Monk. The park also contains Echo Canyon.edit

Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N Galvin Pkwy, [3]. 7AM-8PM. 50 acres of exhibits showcasing desert plants, with an emphasis on plants native to the Southwest. Located in Papago Park, near the Phoenix Zoo.edit

Arizona Biltmore Hotel, 24th St and Camelback Rd, [4]. Visit this legendary Phoenix landmark built in 1921 and has hosted famous guests such as Fred Astaire, Marilyn Monroe, Bob Hope, and the President of the United States when he is in town.

Wrigley Mansion, 2501 E Telawa Trl, [5]. Take a tour of the amazing architecture and grounds of this historic mansion built by the famous chewing gum magnate.

Winter visitors to the area will generally be looking for outdoor events. The area has a number of resorts with the relevant amenities, such as the Biltmore resort's golf course and the requisite pools and other activities on site. In the summer, due to the extreme heat, virtually everyone tries to avoid begin outside more than necessary.

Paint on Pottery, 3629 E Indian School Rd (36th St & Indian School Rd), [6]. Tu-Th, Sa 10AM-7PM, F 10AM-10PM, Su 10AM-6PM. A place where the kids (and adults for that matter) can paint their own glazed pottery creation.Studio fee $6 plus cost of pottery. edit

Town & Country Shopping Center, 20th St and Camelback Rd, [7]. Down the street from Biltmore Fashion Square is a mall without a true major anchor tenant, but with a number of smaller shops and less expensive restaurants (including both chains such as Chili's and Black Angus and local restaurants like Baby Kay's Cajun Kitchen).edit

Chicago Hamburger Company, 3749 E Indian School Rd, [11]. M-Sa 10:30AM-8PM. "Home of the Original Windy City Slider" is the restaurant's slogan, and the small burgers (along with larger fare) are found here. A Chicago themed sandwich shop offering hot dogs, sandwiches and even Frito Pie (according to the menu, a former manager from Texas added it to the menu and they've left it on). This place is more what you would expect of a traditional burger joint than Delux Burger, also listed in this guide. Delux is when you want something more formal, Chicago Hamburger Company is when you want to grab a traditional burger shop-lunch.Budget priced. edit

Delux Burger, 3146 E Camelback Rd (In Safeway center on NW corner of 32nd St and Camelback Rd), ☎+1 602 522-2288, [12]. 11AM-2AM. An upscale burger location, also known for its mini-shopping cart baskets of fries and a wide selection of micro-brews on tap. Has an interesting variety of salads as well as the sandwich fare. A good place when you want to have informal food but not in a totally informal setting.Upper mid-range pricing. edit

Pita Jungle, 4340 E Indian School Rd (44th St & Indian School Rd), ☎+1 602 955-7482, [17]. 10:30AM-10PM daily. Offers a selection not only of pitas, but also of other Mediterranean inspired meals in a sit down environment.Mid-Range Pricing.. edit

MercBar, 2525 E Camelback Rd (SE corner of 24th St and Camelback), ☎+1 602 508-9449, [21]. MercBar is a high-end local place with a 'speakeasy' feel to it. It is hidden in the plaza with no sign, but once found it proves to be worth the trouble. Live jazz on Tuesdays.edit

Postino Wine Cafe, 3939 E Campbell Ave (Campell is halfway between Indian School Rd and Camelback Ave, with the best access via 40th St from either road), ☎+1 602 852-3939, [22]. M-Sa 11AM-11PM, Su noon-10PM. A wine cafe located in the former Arcadia post office. In addition to wines, the cafe features panninis and salads. The cafe also offers $5 glasses of wine each day until 4pm.edit

Half Moon Sports Grill, 2121 East Highland Ave, ☎602-977-2700, [23]. Upscale sports bar with lots of TV's to watch games. Happy hour Mon to Fri (3pm to 7pm). The Phoenix New Times named it the Best Sports Bar and Best Wings in Phoenix in 2008.edit

Resorts originally concentrated in this area of Phoenix, and a number of major resorts either are in the area or border on it. The financial district located on Camelback also means that a number of mid-range hotels also exist in the area to serve the business crowd or others that may not wish to pay the resort prices but want to stay in the area.

Arizona Biltmore Resort, 2400 E Missouri (Enter off 24th St at Missouri), ☎+1 602 955-660, [24]. checkin: 4PM; checkout: noon. Not only a place to see, it has historically been the place to stay in the area for those not afraid to pay top dollar. The resort features all the expected amenities and services. The resort is located between Piestewa Peak and Camelback Mountain, sitting along the smaller mountains between the two larger peaks.High end resort pricing. edit

Courtyard Phoenix Camelback, 2101 E Camelback Rd (located in the Town & Country Center at 20th St and Camelback, to the W of Bookstar and behind the restaurants in the W part of the center parking lot)), ☎+1 602 955-5200, [25]. checkin: 3PM; checkout: noon. Midrange hotel that is located 1/2 mi from the Biltmore Fashion Park shopping area and Camelback Esplanade, and about a mile from the Arizona Biltmore resort.Midrange hotel. edit

The Phoenician Resort, 6000 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale, ☎+1 480-941-8200 (Worldwide) (toll free: 800-888-8234), [27]. Technically in Scottsdale, it's barely across the border and is located on the base of Camelback Mountain. Very full featured resort location right on the mountain for the Valley.High resort pricing. edit

Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak, 7677 N 16th St (On 16th St N of Glendale Ave, S of Northern Ave), ☎+1 602 997-2626, [28]. Major resort located close to Piestewa Peak, this was the original Pointe resort built in the Valley, originally referred to only as The Pointe. With the addition of other Pointe Hilton resorts (at Tapatio Cliffs to the northwest and the former Pointe South Mountain, now the Arizona Grand Resort) the name was changed to Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak--only to recently have the mountain's name itself changed to Piestewa Peak. To locals, both the Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak and the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs are known for their waterparks, with multiple pools, cabanas and even a waterslide.High Resort pricing. edit

The Camelback area offers easy access to other areas of the Valley that will be of interest. Immediately to the east is Downtown Scottsdale [30] (featuring Old Town Scottsdale and the arts area) and the major shopping mall of Scottsdale Fashion Square [31](follow Camelback Rd into Scottsdale), a complementary mall to Biltmore Fashion Park (mainly upscale stores, though not quite as uniformly high end).